Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional insulation article for application to a substrate comprising a first layer of shoddy, a second layer of absorptive material attached to said first layer; and a third layer of covering material attached to said second layer. The first layer includes at lest 50.0 wt. % of recycled post industrial cotton fabric which is shredded and generally combined with a limited amount of other fibrous components such as synthetic and actual fiber based products. The articles of the present invention are light weight and offer both good sound absorption and thermal insulation characteristics.

Abstract: Nitric oxide has proved to mediate many important physiological processes. The nitric oxide donors of the present invention have a NONOate anion linked to an ortho-substituted aryl, a heteroaromatic substituent, asteroid, or a catecholamine. Preferred ortho substituents are alkoxy, halo, and alkyl. The cation of the salt is an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, an ammonium or substituted ammonium group. Nitric oxide donors provided herein are more stable than that of nitrogen-bonded NONOates described previously. The by product left after release of NO, and the nitric oxide donors themselves, are very probably less carcinogenic than the corresponding nitrogen-bonded NONOates.

Abstract: A presenting/dispensing system for chain-interconnected, cut-separable orthodontic/medical devices, organized into groups having a pre-selected number of patient-usable units, including a container constructed for housing such devices, and presenting/dispensing aperture substructure formed therein to allow for presenting such devices and dispensing a desired number of the same in an indexed manner. The system also includes check structure associated with the presenting/dispensing aperture substructure, which check structure is changeable, as a result of dispensing action, to a first condition that accommodates dispensing of such devices, and to a second condition, upon termination of such action, that resists slipping back of a chain of devices into the container.

Abstract: A presenting/dispensing system for orthodontic/medical devices is described, which devices are formed homogeneously in an elongate elastomeric chain, with each device taking the form of an elongate carrier body with a central, elongate finger portion to which is integrally joined a small supply tools, such as O-ring ligators or others. The body is formed in a T-shaped configuration with the finger portion being joined at one of its ends to bar-like handle/positioner/indexing structure.

Abstract: A dispenser/separator for contamination-free dispensing of a supply of cut-separable medical devices is disclosed which includes anti-contamination structure for enclosing the supply. The anti-contamination structure includes an exit port for allowing the supply to be pulled therethrough in a first direction to expose a device. Also disclosed is a cutter for separating such an exposed device from the supply by pulling the supply against the cutter in a second direction that is at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. In the preferred embodiment, the exit port takes the form of a resistance control aperture, and the cutter takes the form of a stationary knife blade that is positioned adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: An orthodontic traction-hook device which is adapted for selective, removable attachment to posts in an orthodontic bracket. The device includes spaced, interconnected legs that are releasably engageable with such posts, and a projection operatively joined to such legs for receiving an orthodontic, traction-applying instrumentality, such as a conventional orthodontic elastomer unit.